Cards Cove - A St. Louis Cardinals Blog

Tuesday News: Carp, Rasmus, Ryan, Craig, and Waino

2010-03-09T18:13:00.000-06:00

Here are the top news tidbits from the past couple of days in the easiest way to read them, bullet pointed:

Cards lost Monday to Red Sox 7-6. (Box Score) Evan MacLane gave up 2 runs in bottom of the ninth to get the loss.
Carpenter got his first start of the spring in Monday's loss. He looked like he had a few kinks to work out. In his 2 innings, Carp gave up 4 hits but only allowed 1 run to cross the plate. At least he's not battling an injury. Knock on wood. And not that MDF stuff. Real wood.
Cards lost again Tuesday to the Twins 7-6. (Box Score) The Twins scored the go ahead run in the bottom of the 8th. David Freese, who had an otherwise good day going 2-5, got picked off at first for the final out in the 9th.
Wainwirght struggled in his first start of the spring against the Twins on Tuesday. In 2 innings, he gave up 4 runs on 5 hits, 2 walks and no strikeouts. Oh, and don't forget a wild pitch, too. But he'll be alright when the regular season starts up. Where's that wood again?
Colby Rasmus continued his quick start on Tuesday when he ripped his second home run of the spring in the 5th inning. His first homer came against the Marlins' Josh Johnson on Saturday.
Allen Craig is expected to make his much anticipated debut on Wednesday after missing the first 6 spring games with a sore left quad.
Finally, Brendan Ryan is looking like he is ahead of schedule in returning to the field. He played catch on Monday and everything went well. Now, he is expected to be in the cages to swing the bat as early as Friday.

Pujols Out! Oh No...

2010-03-08T12:37:00.001-06:00

Oh no.

All we heard all winter long was how Pujols was going to be playing for the first time in years with no pain.

And now we find out today that Pujols will sit out at least 2 games with discomfort in his back and will be reevaluated on Wednesday.

Mozeliak said: "I just spoke to one of our trainers back there working [at the Cardinals' complex in Jupiter], and he said [Pujols] feels good, much better. You want to be smart. You don't want to take something small and make it big."

Cards vs. Marlins Sunday Recap

2010-03-08T12:35:00.000-06:00

Cards 7, Marlins 4
Box Score

Finally, we get to put a tally in the W column.

Joe Mather was the hero filling in for Pujols at first and went 2-3 and drove in 4 runs in Sunday's win over the Marlins.

Not to much else to talk about offensively, other than Molina going 2-2. But the real question is, what do we do with Joe Mather? He played first Sunday, but obviously that position will not get him any playing time. Mather's best shot of making the team would have been trying out at third base...before Felipe Lopez showed up. And he might have had a shot in the outfield...but we signed that Holliday guy.

So where do we put Mather? ...I hope you didn't expect me to have an answer. Because I don't. That is why I am asking you.

Pitching wise, 2 guys vying for that coveted final rotation spot both pitched well. Kyle McClellan got the win after throwing 3 innings of shut out, one hit ball while striking out 4. Rich Hill followed with 2 innings and gave up only one run on 2 hits. Not too shabby boys. Competition makes players play harder.

Cards have the Sox of the Red variety on Monday. Let's get win number 2.

Cards Spring Training Game 3 Wrap Up

2010-03-06T16:50:00.001-06:00

Final Score - Marlins 6, Cards 5
Box Score

Strongest Link: Colby Rasmus (2-2, HR, RBI, R, BB)
Weakest Link: Cards Defense (2 errors, 3 unearned runs)

Though the Cards lost their third consecutive spring training game on Saturday, it was by far their most promising game yet.

Colby Rasmus continued his strong spring hitting a 2nd inning homer off of Marlin ace Josh Johnson. Jon Jay also compiled 2 hits in the game.

The Cards had some bright spots on the mound today as well. Lohse danced in and out of trouble for 2.2 innings and gave up only one run despite allowing 7 base runners. Jaime Garcia threw 3 innings of no hit ball and Ryan Franklin tossed 2 shut out innings of his own.

The only real trouble the Cards had was with their defense. The 3 unearned runs allowed in the 4th turned out to be the difference in the game.

All in all, it was the best game the Birds have played so far this spring. They're getting closer and closer every day. Lets see if they can get that illusive first spring win tomorrow.

Next Game: Sunday 12:05 central, vs. Marlins
What to expect: Kyle McClellan will get the start with Rich Hill, Blake Hawksworth, Dennys Reyes, and Josh Kinney expected to pitch as well.

Cards Spring Training Game 2 Recap

2010-03-05T15:11:00.002-06:00

Final Score - Mets 7, Cards 3
Box Score

Strongest Link: Colby Rasmus (2-3, 2 RBI)
Weakest Link: Mitchell Boggs (2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER)

The Cards are now 0-2 this spring. They have actually been a fairly strong spring training team in recent years. The Birds have not posted a losing record in spring training since 2003 when they went 12-15-2. That was the only year in the last 10 years that the Cards were below .500 in the spring.

Brad Penny got his first look at live action in a Cardinals uniform on Friday afternoon. He wasn't dominant, but ended strong. After giving up 3 runs in the 1st, Penny hurled a scoreless second.

Penny was then pulled for Lance Lynn, who was very impressive. Lynn threw 3 hitless frames and struck out 3 batters.

Mitchell Boggs really hurt his chances today to take that open 5th position in the rotation. Coming in to a 1 run game in the 8th, Boggs pitched a scoreless inning, but came back for the 9th and gave up 3 runs.

Pujols, Molina, and Holliday were all in the lineup today after all three sat out the first Grapefruit League game yesterday. Yadi had a hit in 4 trips, Albert went 0-2 but did drive in a run, and Holliday reached base in all 3 of his at bats with a double and 2 walks.

Colby Rasmus was impressive at the dish going 2-3 and driving in 2 RBIs with 2 outs. Lugo also had 2 hits including a double.

Next Game: Saturday at 12:05 central
What to expect: Kyle Lohse will get his first start of the spring. Jaime Garcia and Ryan Franklin are among the list of pitchers also expected to get in some work.

Cards Spring Training Game 1 Recap

2010-03-04T19:17:00.000-06:00

Final Score - Mets 17, Cards 11
Box Score

Strongest Link: Ludwick (2-3, HR, 2 runs, 3 RBI)
Weakest Link: Zink & Samuel (2.2 IP, 11 ER, 8 H, 6 BB, 1 K)

It was an omen of a bad game to come as the Mets lead off hitter

Pitching was not the strong point in the Cards' spring training opener on Thursday. The 2 teams combined for 28 runs...on 27 hits. The Cards' pitching handed out 10 free passes.

I actually turned the game off after the 6th inning. I was so amped up to watch the game, and I had to turn it off. I have to keep telling myself that it doesn't matter yet. I was disappointed to see that Pujols, Holliday and Molina would all not be in the game.

Let me get the negatives out of the way. Charlie Zink. His knuckle ball was not knuckling. It was floating. And the Mets were swinging. Zink's pitches certainly did not have the element of surprise. See what I did there? Zink? Element? I am so clever. There. Got that out of the way.

Now let's look at the positives. Ryan Ludwick looked like he was in mid season form. He was hitting the ball well. But so were the rest of the Birds. I mean, they did muster 11 runs. Joe Mather and Ruben Gotay each had 2 hits as well.

Pitching wise, I did see a thing or two that I liked. Adam Ottavino has very strong stuff...when he can control it. He pitched 2 hitless innings early in the game when many of the Mets starters were still in the game. He did give up 1 run however due to the 3 walks he issued. Maybe it was just nerves. But if he can settle down, I see big things in Ottavino's future.

Next game: Friday, 12:05pm, Cards vs. Mets

Is Everyone Ready?

2010-03-03T15:27:00.000-06:00

I know everyone missed me yesterday. I'm sorry, I was just so exhausted from moving.

But I'm back. And just in time, too.

Less than 24 hours away from the Cards first Grapefruit League game tomorrow at noon against the Mets. I will definitely be watching as Evan MacLane squares off against New York's R.A. Dickey.

I look forward to seeing the young guys get some work in.

All I left to say is that I am ready for some baseball.

Cards Cove Blogger of the Week

2010-03-01T10:00:00.010-06:00

Cards Cove was named Cardinal Blogger of the Week over at the Sports Hot Corner.

I am honored to be selected. Cards Cove started off as just a hobby and is quickly turning into so much more. Thank you to my readers.

Keep reading! Share Cards Cove with your Cardinal buddies.

Today is moving day as I am moving to St. Louis. I look forward to many Cardinal games this season.

See ya tomorrow Cards Fans.

Breaking News: Cards Sign Felipe Lopez

2010-02-26T22:08:00.000-06:00

As reported by ESPN's Buster Olney and SI.com's Jon Heyman, Felipe Lopez and the Cardinals have agreed on a one year deal.

The deal is believed to be worth $1.75 mil plus possible bonuses for performance.

For the time being, it appears that he will remain a back up for Freese at third. But I'm sure if he doesn't pan out, Felipe will be more than happy to take that starting job.

Memphis Redbirds Contest

2010-02-25T19:50:00.000-06:00

Redbirds Fan,

The 2009 Pacific Coast League Champions are debuting a new gameday program this year. The program will be available to fans free of charge as they enter AutoZone Park. It will have all of the latest news and information you need to stay in the know. There is just one problem, it has no name!
The Redbirds staff is looking to tap into the creative minds of our fans to come up with a name for this new addition to our game experience. Fans using twitter can send a direct or @ message to our page at twitter.com/memphisredbirds. Facebook users can write their suggestions on Nostalgia Man's wall at facebook.com/nostalgia.man.
The fan with the winning name will receive two 10-game You Pick 'Em Plans, a framed copy of the first issue of the program, and on-field recognition at our home opener on April 16th.
The contest ends FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26th at 5pm so get your suggestions in now!

Head to Twitter, Facebook or memphisredbirds.com for more information.
For more information on ticket packages or group outings, call (901) 722-0299 or click here.

Franklin Mulling Retirement in 2011

2010-02-25T13:33:00.000-06:00

With the snow melting away (finally), and spring on the horizon, baseball is definitely in the air. But for some guys, that smell is getting tiresome.

The 36 year old, 10 season veteran, Ryan Franklin told reporters in Jupiter that he is considering hanging it up after his contract runs out after the 2011 season. It will be sad to see him and that weird beard leave, but it's hard to argue with his reasoning. The P-D reports: "Franklin's 5-year-old daughter looked at the Cardinals' closer with her puppy-dog eyes and said, 'Daddy, I wish you had another job where you were here.'"

How can you not retire after that? Oh yeah, because you just signed a 2 year, $6.5 million contract. Just explain to your daughter how many Barbies she can buy with that much money. I did the math - that's 325,000 Barbies. Dream house and convertible not included.

But in all honesty, I can see his point of view. But...what will the Cards do if he retires? He did struggle when it counted most last year, but to be fair it was his first year in the official full-time closers role and either fatigue or nerves might have played a factor. And he did still finish the season with 38 saves and a 1.92 ERA.

But what would the Birds do? Would they bring up someone from the farm? Would they shop the free agent market? Odds are they would would bring someone up. In 2011, (hopefully) fresh off the heels of their huge contract that they just gave Pujols, the Cards will probably be trying to save wherever they can.

I'm hoping that someone can emerge from the minors this year and be a shut down closer. That would be nice. I'll wait til the clock shows 11:11 and that is what I will wish for.

See ya tomorrow Cards Fans.

Cards Still Interested In Felipe Lopez?

2010-02-24T10:13:00.000-06:00

The Cards have announced that Brendan Ryan should be ready to go by opening day, so they have no need to shop around for a shortstop. But that doesn't mean that they are finished shopping all together.

Felipe Lopez is still on the radar. And rightfully so.

ESPN's Buster Olney reported via Twitter: "Heard this: Official involved in the Felipe Lopez bidding still thinks he'll wind up with the Cardinals, in the end. We'll see."

I have said it before and I'll say it another thousand times, I would be more than happy to have Felipe back in St. Louis. He is so much more than a back up infielder. He could be the Cards' new Oquendo.

In 2008, he played only 43 games with the Cards. Offensively, he went to town. He batted .385 with a .964 OPS, hit 4 homers, drove in 21 runs, and even stole 4 bases. Those are pretty solid numbers. Especially when you just changed teams and you have the added pressure of trying to prove yourself to your new teammates and coaches.

But defensively he was a huge asset as well.In those short 43 games, he played every position except for pitcher, catcher and center field. He's very versatile and can swing the bat? Bring him back!

He's be a great candidate for those famous Tony LaRussa Sunday lineups. You know, the ones where he gives everybody the day off and you end up with Khalil Greene leading off and Jason LaRue hitting clean-up.
Stick Felipe in for whoever needs a day off and he will get very steady playing time and we could keep his bat in the lineup.

Come on, Mo. Sign him.

See ya tomorrow Cards Fans.

Ryan Should Be Ready To Go By Opening Day

2010-02-23T10:00:00.001-06:00

So Brendan Ryan will get better.

At least we still hope he will.

Reports from MLB.com states that Ryan fully expects to be in the opening day lineup on April 5th and will be fully recovered from his wrist surgery that he had earlier this month.

In completely unrelated news, Julio Lugo is apparently auditioning for a reserve role in the outfield. Wonder if he'll get a call back... Or better, I wonder where you sign up for these auditions. I played outfield when I was like 9. So I might be a little rusty. But at least I have some experience.

Think about it Tony.

Good day to all. See ya tomorrow Cards Fans.

Monday Mail Day

2010-02-22T09:58:00.000-06:00

Hope everybody had a great weekend. Back to the grind...

Last Tuesday, I received this comment from a reader regarding the Redbirds pitching:

"So your blog got me thinking...who was the last starting pitcher that the Cards brought up through their minor league system? I can't think of anybody! And don't say Brad Thompson!"

Trust me reader, Brad Thompson was the last name to come to my mind. While they may be in the minority in terms of our pitching staff as a whole, the Cards have brought up some pretty decent arms through the farm system, even within recent memory.

The first name to come to mind is Matt Morris. The Cards took him in the 1st round (12th overall pick) in the 1995 draft. After a couple years in the minors, he came up in '97 and went 12-9 with a 3.19 ERA and 3 complete games. Not to mention he finished 2nd in RoY voting. (Ironically losing out to Scott Rolen)

But overall, I would call that a pretty decent arm brought up from the minors.

Another decent arm to come up through the Cards farm system, though we never gave him a chance to grow at the Major League level, is Dan Haren. (Or then he might have still been going by Danny) The Cards took Haren in the 2nd round of the 2001 draft, and debuted in '03 and pitched 2 seasons with the good guys until we thought a Haren for Mulder deal with Oakland would be a good idea...

Some others include:

Rick Ankiel (also was 2nd in RoY voting in '00)
Anthony Reyes (not so great there, his record was 2-14 in '07)
Brad Thompson (see below)

Yes, I did say I wouldn't say Brad Thompson. But I lied. Deal with it. Brad Thompson does get a hard time, especially around Cards Cove, but in all fairness he really hasn't been all that terrible. In the last 5 years with the Cards, Thompson has been an (at times) effective reliever as well as a respectable fill-in spot starter. He has compiled a 21-17 record with the Birds, as well as a decent 4.36 ERA. You could do worse. (See Mike Maroth)

Anyway, I am done for today. Is there somebody I forgot? Let me know!

Til tomorrow, good day Cards Fans.

Cardinal Blogger Of The Week

2010-02-20T08:05:00.006-06:00

Sports Hot Corner
Presents
The Cardinal Blogger of the Week

As we await the start of the 2010 season, I decided to start up the season with something new here at Sports Hot Corner – an introduction of bloggers who cover the Cardinals. Most of these writers are not paid to cover the Cards, but do so out of their love of the game and especially their love of the Cardinal organization.

Sports Hot Corner has introduced its newest feature to its message board community – The Cardinal Blogger of the Week. The second blogger to be recognized is the Cardinals Best News Links. The feature is located at - http://sportshotcorner.yuku.com/topic/506

In addition, on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 PM Central, the United Cardinal Blogger Radio Hour, will have the Cardinals minor league director John Vuch on as a guest on another special edition of the show. Dustin from Whiteyball and Nick from Pitchers Hit Eighth will quiz him about St. Louis's farm system and who we should keep an eye on this season.

Interesting Read

2010-02-19T11:03:00.000-06:00

I was scanning the Cards site and came across a story about McGwire on the job for his first official day. The article discussed how McGwire seemed very comfortable with the media and apologized over and over again for his mistakes, but that he has moved on and wishes everybody else would move on to. For a McGwire fan, it was a very good read. (link to article)

On MLB websites, it allows readers the chance to comment under the articles and I read one that I particularly enjoyed and wanted to share with everybody. The users name is PootyWalnuts.

"For all you McGwire haters, let me say this. I was born and raised in Oakland, CA. I've been to hundreds of A's and Giants games. Big Mac was hitting 500 ft. bombs when he was barely old enough to buy a beer. Barry Bonds on the other hand couldn't hit his weight until after he mysteriously gained 30 lbs. of muscle in his mid to late 30's. Yet, he's the "Home Run King," no questions asked. Clemens was throwing gas into his 40's, did anyone question that? McGwire is one of the nicest guys in baseball. LEAVE HIM ALONE, you media sharks. As far as the whole asterisk next to his numbers. Give me a break. Are there asterisks next to all those old time pitchers who were throwing spitballs and scuffed balls? Throwing looser wound balls from a higher mound. Should we give Mays 50 more HR's because CF at the polo grounds was 500 ft. ? Or should we take 50 away because the corners were only 280 ft.? What about that joke of a shoebox they call New Yankee Stadium. I'd rather watch a roideded out monster crush a long ball than Johnny Damon slap a one-handed pooch that carries just over that little league fence in the Bronx. Real baseball fans know which records are legit and which ones are tainted."

I read this and the only thought I had was, 'Couldn't have put it better myself." It's nice to know that there are other people out there that agree with me on the McGwire/Bonds issue.

Not to mention I always enjoy a good jab at the Yankees.

Anyway, have a good weekend. I'll see you Monday.

Cards Still Could Spend Some More Cash

2010-02-18T10:06:00.000-06:00

Apparently, spending is contagious. Mozeliak spends a little cash, and then spends a lot, and still wants to spend some more.

Mozeliak was quoted as saying:

“When you look at it in the terms of looking outside the organization the clock is definitely ticking on the free agent market. But there is a name or two there that could still fit the bill should we need to go down that path."

J-Mo told the P-D that any free agents out there want to sign quickly. One possible candidate that is still available is Felipe Lopez. I wouldn't mind seeing Lopez in our lineup again. He's done good things lately with other teams, too.

Sorry I'm kind of short on time today.

See ya tomorrow Cards Fans.

Announcement Wednesday

2010-02-17T15:29:00.000-06:00

Two Special Editions Of The UCB Radio Hour
On the heels of their interview with Kyle McClellan, the United Cardinal Bloggers commemmorate the first week of spring training by announcing a full week of internet radio with two special guests.

Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 Central, Josh from Pitchers Hit Eighth will be talking with Darren Heitner. Heitner is the agent for Cardinal farmhand Pete Parise, among others. If you've ever wanted to talk to a sports agent, here's your chance!

Wednesday night is the regularly-scheduled version of the UCB Radio Hour at 9:30 pm Central. Nick from Pitchers Hit Eighth will host with scheduled assistance from his blogging partner Josh and Daniel from C70 At The Bat.

Finally, on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 Central, the Cardinals minor league director John Vuch will be our guest on another special edition of the show. Dustin from Whiteyball and Nick from Pitchers Hit Eighth will quiz him about St. Louis's farm system and who we should keep an eye on this season.

The United Cardinal Bloggers have been in existence since 2007 and work together on various projects and discussions. The UCB Radio Hour came out of that in 2008, providing yet another forum for talking Cardinal baseball.

MEMPHIS REDBIRDS PRESS RELEASE

'Birds announce Program Naming Contest
Redbirds new program needs a name

MEMPHIS, TN - The Memphis Redbirds will debut a new game day program this season but first the publication needs a name.

Through the power of social media and the internet the 'Birds hope to tap into the creative minds of their fans to generate a name for the program, which will be free to fans on game days. Using twitter and Facebook fans can submit their entries to name the program. For fans using twitter simply send a @ tweet or direct message to the Redbirds at twitter.com/memphisredbirds. For Facebook users, fans can write their suggestions on Nostalgia Man's wall (facebook.com/nostalgia.man). The new publication will replace the Redbirds yearbook and be produced four separate times with fresh content throughout the season.

The lucky winner will receive two 10-game You Pick 'Em plans, a framed copy of the first program and pre-game recognition on the field on Opening Night. The contest will run through February 26 when all entries will be trimmed down to a list of five for fans to vote on at memphisredbirds.com.

The 'Birds begin their defense of their Pacific Coast League crown on April 8 at Omaha before returning to AutoZone Park for their home opener against Oklahoma City on April 16. For ticket information call 901.721.6000 or visit memphisredbirds.com.

Cards 2010 Pitching...Who's Gonna Step Up?

2010-02-16T10:16:00.000-06:00

Pitching.

Seems like that's the one word that causes everyone to shudder every spring. Pitching. Did you just shudder. I know I did.

At least it's a more relaxed shudder in 2010. Not like a 1999 Darren Oliver, Jose Jimenez, Garrett Stephenson, Kent Mercker shudder. (In '99 those 4 pitchers combined for a whopping 26 wins)...(and don't forget our 9th inning shut down man - Ricky Bottalico. It's always nice where your closer's ERA is hovering around 5.00)

So looking back on how bad it could be does ease my nerves. Carpenter and Wainwright have me at ease. But can Penny and Lohse pitch like times past?

The 2010 CHONE projected line for Penny is a 9-9 record with a respectable 4.13 ERA. But can he put together another 16-4, 3.03 ERA season like he did in 2007 in L.A.?

The CHONE for Lohse is a 9-9 record with a 4.33 ERA. But his question is can he put together a 15-6, 3.78 ERA season like 2008?

Looming questions. But none looms more ominously than, "Who is our fifth starter?" We now know that the Cards have pulled out of the running for Chien-Ming Wang. So I guess they are going with the rarely implemented in-house method on this one. (I hate how sarcasm doesn't show through times new roman, but yes, that was sarcasm.)

Here's what the projected lines are for some of the people up for the job:
Rich Hill: 5-6, 4.78 ERA, 96 IP, 81 K, 52 BB

Mitchell Boggs: 7-9, 4.68 ERA, 148 IP, 98 K, 70 BB
Kyle McClellan: 4-3, 3.71 ERA, 63 IP, 48 K, 25 BB (bullpen)

None of these options seem the unequivocal choice. But you make do with what you have.

Or to refer to the Cardinals mantra, "When life gives you lemons, or rather you picked up some lemons real cheap at Schnucks, you know the lemons that were underneath all the others and all the other shoppers passed them by because they looked kind of rotten, and you give those lemons to Dave Duncan, and he somehow turns them into ice-cold Dr. Pepper." Or insert whatever drink you like to replace Dr. Pepper.

That is all for today children. Enjoy your Tuesday.

Monday Mail Day

2010-02-15T10:09:00.000-06:00

So...hope everybody had a good weekend and a good Valentine's. Mine was a lonely one. (I feel like if my life was a sitcom, the crowd would have just 'awwwwwed') But I did watch the NBA skills competition on Saturday night. What a sad dunk off. If you watched it, I'm sorry. If you missed it, the four dunkers were Nate Robinson, Whats-his-face, Dont-know-you, and The-other-guy. The dunking was lame to the extreme. Of course Nate Robinson won. Mainly due to the fact that he's the only one anybody ever heard of.

Remember when things like NBA slam dunk competitions and NFL Pro-Bowls used to be an honor. Now the players just don't want to be bothered. And the fans suffer. We have to watch Shannon Brown in the dunk contest and Vince Young in the Pro Bowl.

Anyway, that's not what I had planned on talking about today. Last week I looked at all of my picks from last year to see how I did. I didn't do too well. I am looking for any help I can get for making my picks this year, and I received a comment with some helpful tips:

"If you're going to do some picking again for this year, you better keep the Twins at the top of your list. Mauer for MVP, Liriano for Cy Young, Twins win World Series."

Hate to be a downer, bud. But I don't think I'm picking the Twinkies for anything this year, other than being an amazing snack. Mauer will be good not great, Liriano will be a bust again, and the Twins won't even sneak through into the playoffs as the Wild Card so they won't be winning the Series.

Sorry to be so blunt with you, but I figured you could handle the truth. I think the Rams have more of a chance of winning the Super Bowl next season than the Twins have of winning the World Series.

Anyway, have a good Monday, everybody. Hopefully reading this wasted 10 minutes of time at your desk.

News From The Week

2010-02-12T09:41:00.001-06:00

So while I spent the week looking at how my predictions from last year, actual things were going on in the world. So I will spend today to catch you up. Here are this past week's headlines:

On Monday, the Cards agreed to a 2 year deal - worth $5 million - with Schumaker, avoiding arbitration.
On Wednesday, Ryan underwent surgery on his wrist. He is supposedly out only 2-3 weeks and should be ready for opening day. Troy Glaus anyone? Please Brendan...get well soon. I'll send you a card. It will be separate from your Valentine's card. So expect 2 cards from me. Just kidding. But really, look for my cards.
On Thursday, the Cards loaded up their equipment and sent the trucks down to Jupiter. Woo-hoo!

I've had movies on my mind lately. Sports movies, specifically. What is you favorite baseball movie? I listed the ones I could think of off the top of my head. But tell me what baseball movie is your favorite below, and it will be up til Monday.

What Is Your Favorite Baseball Movie?

Final Grading Day: How I Did Picking 2009 Postseason Teams & Award Winners

2010-02-11T10:14:00.000-06:00

Last day of grading myself from last year. How did I do on picking the postseason teams and winners from last year? Let us see...

[link to the original post]

2009 AL Predicted Playoff Teams: Red Sox, Angels, Rays, Twins
2009 AL Actual Playoff Teams: Yankees, Angels, Red Sox, Twins

Like I said a few days ago. I knew deep down that the Yankees would be playing in October. I just felt like if I doubted them, that little doubt I had would be the negativity that would ruin them. Silly me. But I still got 3 of the 4 teams. Good job, Matt.

2009 NL Predicted Playoff Teams: Mets, Cards, D'backs, Phillies
2009 NL Actual Playoff Teams: Dodgers, Phillies, Rockies, Cards

Horrible. Simply horrible. I guess I did get 2 of 4. I'll take it and run.

Probably the saddest of all my predictions from last spring was my World Series prediction: Red Sox vs. Mets...ha. Not even close.

Now onto how I did in guessing the postseason awards.

NL MVP: Albert Pujols (Correct)
AL MVP: Evan Longoria (Wrong - Mauer)

NL Cy Young: Tim Lincecum (Correct)
AL Cy Young: Roy Halladay (Wrong - Greinke)

NL ROY: Colby Rasmus (Wrong - Coghlan)
AL ROY: Matt Wieters (Wrong - Bailey)

NL Manager: Jerry Manuel (Way Wrong - Tracy)
AL Manager: Ron Gardenhire (Wrong - Scioscia)

Well I got 2 right. Although, that Lincecum should have been wrong. Carpenter and Wainwright were robbed. And how would I have known to guess Greinke?...or Coghlan? Come on baseball. You're makin' me look stupid here.

Well, that wraps up our look back at how I did pickin' 'em last year. And though I didn't do spectacular, I am fired up for my 2010 picks. They will be fantastic picks, too. You'll see.

See ya tomorrow Cards Fans.

Grading My 2009 NL Central Predictions

2010-02-10T10:55:00.000-06:00

Today I will take a look at how I did last spring at my NL Central picks. I know I took a lot of grief from Brewers fans (of all people) for being a homer by picking the Cards to finish first. Like the Brew Crew ever really has a shot... But I knew what I was doing. For the most part.

Anyway, lets see how I did.
[Here's the link to the original post]

2009 NL Central Predicted order: Cards, Cubs, Reds, Astros, Brewers, Pirates
2009 NL Central Actual order: Cards, Cubs, Brewers, Reds, Astros, Pirates

Overall, I think I did pretty well on this one. I got the first and second places right, jumbled the middle, and then got last place right. Hold on a sec while I give myself a well deserved pat on the back. Although, I will admit I was pretty lucky the Cards picked up Holliday. Without Holliday, I don't think the Cards finish first.

Tomorrow, I will wrap up my grading when I see how I did on my postseason picks and how well I did on picking who will win which awards.

See you tomorrow Cards Fans.

Grading My 2009 NL West Predictions

2010-02-09T09:43:00.001-06:00

Back to the grind. I did pretty good in the AL but bad in the NL East. How did I fare in picking the order in the NL West last season? Lets find out.

[Here's the link to the original post]

2009 NL West Predicted: D'backs, Dodgers, Rockies, Giants, Padres
2009 NL West Actual: Dodgers, Rockies, Giants, Padres, D'backs

So...my order was perfect. Except the team I picked to be first finished last. But I can explain. I figured with Webb and Haren at the top of the rotation with good young talent all over the diamond, this team would be the front runners. But Webb went down, and none of the young players played fully up to their potential.

Tomorrow, I will see how i did in the all important NL Central.

Til then, good day.

Monday Mail Bag - 2010 Lineup

2010-02-08T09:52:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday to everybody! I think everybody was pretty surprised with the finish in the Super Bowl last night. I know I was. And I was a little bummed too. I know, I know... I usually am pulling for the underdogs, but I like Peyton and the Saints just seem so cocky. But I do give the Saints a tip of my proverbial cap. But you won't catch me saying "Who Dat" anytime soon...other than that one time just now.

OK...on to some baseball. Looks like only one question in the mail bag again this week. The question for this week is:

"So assuming the Cards don't do anymore dealing, what do you think will be our opening day lineup? Is there anyone coming up from the minors that might surprise us?"

Personally, I don't think there will be any surprises. For the most part we have our lineup set. Mozeliak is done doing what he does...or rather, what he rarely does. And I really don't want to go out on a limb like I did last year. (Last season in spring training I picked Motte to be our closer. La Russa made the same decision. Then Motte went out opening day and blew a save to the Pirates. I was right...but wish I could have been wrong.)

Here it is - my guess at the 2010 starting lineup, rotation, closer, and bench.

Opening Day Starting Lineup:

2B - Skip Schumaker
CF - Colby Rasmus
1B - Albert Pujols
LF - Matt Holliday
RF - Ryan Ludwick
3B - David Freese
C - Yadier Molina
SS - Brendan Ryan
Pitcher Spot

Rotation:

Chris Carpenter
Adam Wainwright
Kyle Lohse
Brad Penny
Blake Hawksworth (call it my "out-on-a-limb" pick - meaning, if Hawksworth makes the rotation, remember that I said it first, and if he doesn't, forget I ever said this)

Bench:

C - Jason LaRue
IF - Julio Lugo
IF - Tyler Greene
OF - Allen Craig

Bullpen:

Mitchell Boggs
Ryan Franklin
Josh Kinney
Kyle McClellan
Trever Miller
Jason Motte
Dennys Reyes
P.J. Walters

Wow...seeing that bullpen written out scares the life out of me. Hopefully we can lead the league in complete games...

Anyway, that is all I have for today. Have a good Monday. Oh, and don't forget - less than 9 days 'til P's & C's!

See ya tomorrow Cards Nation